Paul Hill on fresh start at Edinburgh and replacing a club legend
When Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt went searching for a successor to retiring icon WP Nel, he turned to Paul Hill — the seasoned Northampton Saints tighthead whose six England caps under Eddie Jones showcased his potential at the highest level. Hill’s move north represented both a strategic signing for Edinburgh’s scrum and a personal reset for a player candid about the uncertainty he has navigated. “I’m glad it’s behind me now” captures the mood as he settles into a new city, a new league and a new pack dynamic.
Edinburgh’s remit is clear: retain set-piece bite and improve consistency across the URC season. Hill’s experience in the Premiership, his scrummaging nous and his breakdown work should slot neatly into a squad looking to blend abrasive forward play with tempo and ambition. The competitive edge at tighthead won’t ease, but his skill set and temperament add depth, leadership and reliability to the front row.
For Hill, the move is as much about momentum as it is about minutes. A steady run of games, clear technical goals and alignment with coaching philosophy can be transformative at this stage of a career. While international conversations tend to follow form, his focus is squarely on delivering for Edinburgh: anchoring the scrum, contributing in contact and helping younger props raise standards day to day.
Replacing a legend is never straightforward, yet Hill’s arrival signals intent — a pragmatic, performance-first approach aimed at ensuring Edinburgh’s platform remains a strength. If he finds rhythm early, the ripple effects will be felt across the team’s territory game, phase shape and endgame composure.